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Pearl Guide

Thirty years of buying pearls at the source, written down. Start with how to buy, then go as deep as you like.

39 guides  ·  page 1 of 2
WatchEight short films on pearlsTypes, grading and the questions we are asked most, a few minutes each. Watch the videos
October 2026

Best Pearl Jewelry for a Bride

Short answer: the best pearls for most brides are white Akoya pearls, 7–8mm. Pair a 16–18 inch strand with matching Akoya stud earrings, or choose a single pearl pendant for a lighter...

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October 2026

What Size Pearl Necklace Should I Buy?

Short answer: for most women, a 7–7.5mm pearl necklace in 18 inches is the safest choice. It looks classic, is not too small or too large, and works for both day and...

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October 2026

Best Pearl Necklace for an Anniversary

Short answer: the best anniversary pearl necklace for most couples is a 7–7.5mm AAA Akoya strand, 18 inches long. It is classic, bright and easy to wear every day. For a 30th...

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October 2026

Akoya vs Freshwater vs Tahitian vs South Sea Pearls: Which to Buy

Short answer: choose Akoya for the classic white, mirror-bright strand; Freshwater for the best value and the widest choice of colours and shapes; Tahitian for naturally dark pearls with green, peacock or...

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September 2026

Pearl Quality and Grading

Premium Pearl grades pearls from A, AA, to AAA Quality. AAA Quality pearls have the highest quality, exceptionally high luster, and very clean surface. There are several factors that determine the quality...

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September 2026

Pearl Jewelry Buying Guide

Whether you're interested in freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, South Sea pearls or Tahitian pearls, there has never been a better time to add interesting elegance to your jewelry collection. The Evolution of...

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September 2026

How to Buy Pearls

There are four types of pearls: freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls and South Sea pearls. The saltwater pearls--Akoya, Tahitian and South Sea pearls—are all more valuable than freshwater pearls. Like other...

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September 2026

How to Choose a Pearl Necklace?

Pearl necklaces are classic yet modern jewelry. The beauty of pearl necklaces is everlasting. Before cultured pearls were invented, pearl necklaces were a luxury and considered noble jewelry. A strand of pearl...

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September 2026

Akoya Pearls Buying Guide

Akoya means saltwater in Japanese. In the early 1900s, the Japanese first developed the cultivation of saltwater pearls. Akoya pearls are produced in Akoya Oyster(also called Pinctada Fucata Oyster). They are mainly...

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September 2026

What Size Pearl Necklace Is For Her?

The sizes of cultured Akoya pearls range from 2 to 10mm. The larger the pearl, the rarer and more valuable it is. The average size of pearl necklaces sold today is 6.5-7mm,...

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September 2026

Real Pearls Versus Fake Pearls

Fake pearls are made to look like expensive Akoya or South Sea pearls, with a price range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars. Here are some tips on how...

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September 2026

Pearl Necklace Buying Guide

Pearl necklaces are classic yet modern jewelry. The beauty of pearl necklaces is everlasting. Before cultured pearls were invented, pearl necklaces were a luxury and considered noble jewelry. A strand of pearl...

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September 2026

Pearl Necklace Length

Classic pearl necklace length is 17"-19". However, other necklace lengths are gaining popularity. There are six lengths for pearl necklaces: collar, choker, princess, matinee, opera and rope. They are worn in different...

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September 2026

South Sea Pearls Guide

One of the most beautiful pearls, they are cherished for their pearl luster and beauty. Cultivated in the large white-lipped, silver-lipped or golden-lipped variety of the pinctada maxima oyster, these are the...

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September 2026

Tahitian Pearls

Tahitian Pearls - Queen of Pearls Tahitian pearls, symbols of luxury and perfection, have long been sought for their exceptional beauty and value. Often called the "queen of pearls" or "creation of...

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September 2026

How to Choose Pearl Earrings

When choosing pearl earrings, it is best to select pearls of a high quality. Pearls in possession of a clean surface and high luster will be the most striking. What the pearls...

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September 2026

Pearl Luster

Luster measures pearl surface shininess (or mirror-like finish). The intensity of light reflection decides how high the luster is. Pearls have high luster when the reflections are bright and sharp. When the...

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September 2026

How to Choose a Pearl Bracelet

The classic size of pearls used in bracelets is 5mm - 8mm, and is appropriate for most any occasion. Larger sized pearls, such as 10mm, should be reserved for special events. White...

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September 2026

How to Choose a Pearl Pendant

The thing to remember when choosing the pendant's chain length is the circumference of her neck. A 16 inch chain is the most common length and emphasizes the neckline, while an 18...

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September 2026

Pearl Nacre

Nacre thickness is the most important factor to consider when choosing cultured pearls. It determines the durability and elasticity of a cultured pearl. Nacre thickness ranges from 0.1mm to over 2mm. Cultured...

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September 2026

Choosing Pearl Necklace Color

Which Pearl Necklace Color Suits Me Best? Colors of pearl necklaces range from white, white-rose, pink, cream, yellow, golden, black, silver, and gray. A buyer's color choice should be based primarily on...

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August 2026

Wedding Pearl Jewelry Buying Guide

Once rare and expensive, modern cultured pearls have become an affordable luxury. To choose pearl jewelry, consider six factors contribute to the value of a pearl: pearl luster, nacre, shape, surface texture,...

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August 2026

South Sea Pearls Buying Guide

South Sea Pearls are considered the most beautiful gems in the world. Known for their extraordinary beauty, large sizes and brilliant luster, they have been described as a perfect gift of nature and...

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August 2026

Saltwater Cultured Pearls

Saltwater pearls are grown in ocean coastal waters of Japan, China, Tahiti, and the South Sea areas. They are considered high class pearls for their exceptional beauty and high luster. Saltwater pearls...

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